LICSW, 8 years of experience
Hello from Minnesota! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). After working in the Social Services/Mental Health field for a number of years, I returned as a non-traditional student to get my master's degree in social work. The past 10 years I worked as a Clinical Supervisor and Therapist supporting adults who were working toward their own mental health recovery. I recently began pursuing private practice to allow more flexibility for my family and am excited for this new opportunity!
I will send you required paperwork prior to our first session. If you are able to complete this before we meet, this would be great! This will help me learn about you and the reason you chose to see me. I also want to get your initial questions answered, addressing things like confidentiality, and accountability. Most importantly, our initial visit will help us become acquainted and develop your plan for moving forward in a way that feels transformative, encouraging and hopeful.
I have used a number of therapeutic interventions over the past many years that have resulted in an improved quality of life for my clients. I am very knowledgeable about community resources throughout the State of Minnesota and can be an excellent partner in navigating other services as necessary. I believe that a therapeutic partnership of respect and understanding is critical in promoting hope, healing and harmony.
I want to partner with anyone that has a sincere desire to work on their own recovery, no matter how simple or complicated you may think it is. If you have a belief in a higher power, I enjoy building on this resource. I enjoy learning what motivates you, what is a barrier to you, and teaching skills using compassion and encouragement in a safe space.
CBT can help anyone to challenge their reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety with increased self-awareness. Together, we’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life resulting in more hope and harmony. I have seen CBT work well for many years.
Mindfulness brings peace through practice focusing on the present moment without judgment. It helps to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase positive thinking by doing pleasant activities. This is a very safe practice and can be lead my me or by yourself privately. I have practiced and taught mindfulness skills for over 20 years in a variety of situations and to people of all ages.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) helps you find the internal motivation to change situations as you wish. I often say that you are the "captain of your ship", but I am eager to help support you and evoke ideas building on your strengths and managing your fears. This is a partnership where we safely navigate situations together towards recovery. I have used MI for 20+ years.